Messages on Matthew
Economics
Despite the power money holds over us as individuals and a society, Jesus calls us to live differently. The invitation to follow Jesus is also an invitation to live as generously as He did. Pastor Brent continues our Rediscovering Jesus series, challenging our obsession with wealth and calling us to follow the authentic Jesus.
Compassion
Jesus was known by his radical compassion. His compassion wasn’t just an emotional response; it was also a physical one that led to the relief of pain and alienation. We too can grow in compassion by sitting at the feet of Jesus.
In Practice
Following Jesus isn’t easy. It’s not just about believing the “right” thing or praying the “right” thing. It’s about relationship, one that takes time and effort to cultivate. Hear from several people in our congregation who are trying their best to cultivate their faith—not from a sense of guilt or obligation, but from a desire to know God and be known by Him.
In the Neighborhood
Our faiths weren’t meant to be lived inside a bubble. Throughout Scripture, Jesus encourages us to go—to be His hands and feet throughout the world. Pastor Brent shares what it means to have compassion for our neighbors, rooting ourselves in the places we live, work, and learn as we seek to reveal the Kingdom of God in the world around us.
In Simplicity
We live hurried, complicated lives and often hurried, complicated faiths. But in Scripture, we find that the message of Jesus is quite simple: Love the Lord, and the love your neighbors as yourself.
A New Year
What fuels your fear? For King Herod, it was a lack of control and power over a baby prophesied to be King. Pastor Brent and Pastor Amy explore the story of King Herod in the book of Matthew, helping us look towards 2024 with confidence and hope instead of fear.
Joseph’s Calling
Joseph’s role in the life of Jesus was an unexpected and likely difficult one. However, he responds to God’s invitation with courage and obedience. Through his story, we learn that just because a situation is difficult and fear-provoking, it doesn’t mean that God isn’t in it.
I’ve Got Talent (and That Makes Me Significant)
Pastor Brent examines reality talent TV shows as a mirror to our search for significance. He observes how these shows reflect our innate desire for validation in a world where recognition is often paramount. Brent redirects the focus by highlighting that genuine significance rests in our relationship with God rather than external acclaim. He reinforces this idea through biblical parallels, emphasizing that our worth is rooted in our identity as cherished creations of God. The sermon’s pivotal point is the…
True Crime Junkies
Welcome to “In Plain Sight: Theology All Around Us.” In this sermon, Pastor Amy Becker dives into the world of true crime podcasts, exploring how they offer an escape and satisfy our justice-seeking hearts. Join us as Pastor Amy unveils the allure of true crime narratives, delving into why we’re drawn to these stories as a break from our own lives and our innate desire for justice. While these stories provide a taste of justice, the ultimate justice lies in…
God and Social Media
Social media makes great promises and claims of connections and friends yet leaves many feeling empty and wanting more. More and more studies highlight the dangers of this technology on kids’ and adults’ mental health. Where is God in social media? And how can those who follow Jesus use social media to see and help meet our human desire for connection?
The Value of the Kingdom
Lots of ideas and motivations clamor for our undivided attention in our world. But what is truly worth our time? Is there something worth dedicating ourselves to and reorienting our lives around? In some of the parables Jesus told, we see what he believed to be the value of his kingdom and why it is worth giving everything for.
Values of the Kingdom
As we see in stories of Jesus in Scripture, values of His Kingdom are caught rather than taught. Pastor Steve Rogers continues our Heaven on Earth series by highlighting the values of God’s Kingdom. Those values are birthed from the Holy Spirit, ultimately propelling us to be more like Jesus in our heart, mind, and actions.